further strengthening the strategic cooperation between the countries and the joint development of technology to defend civilian populations against missiles and terrorism. the iron dome system is a prominent example of this cooperation, saving lives of many and ensuring the safety of citizens all over israel. for these reasons, shimon peres, president of the state of israel, will confer upon barack obama, president of the united states of america, the highest civilian award of the state of israel, the presidential medal of distinction. ladies and gentlemen, please raise a glass with the presidents. lachaim. >> to the president of the united states -- >> thank you, president peres. you may now go back to your seat. >> there you have it. the israeli president shimon peres, presenting the medal of distinction to president obama, and during his presentation, president peres, of course he mentioned the iranian threat and he said of president obama, you sxem reply identify the spirit of democracy. you have shown global responsibility and individual sensitivity as well. this is the highest civilian